Single use applicator package



May 7, 1957 Filed Oct. 20, 1952 L. A. SCHNEIDER APPLICATOR PACKAGE SINGLE USE 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

LA WRENCE A SCHNEIDER wn wwa A TTORNE Y6 May 7, 1957 1.. A. SCHNEIDER SINGLE USE APPLICATOR PACKAGE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 20, 1952 INVENTOR. ZAWRE'NCE 14.5:HN5/0ER1 W /W W ATTO NE vs United States Patent 2,790,982 SINGLE USE APPLICATOR PACKAGE Lawrence A. Schneider, Fargo, N. Dak.

Application October 20, 1952, Serial No. 315,804

8 Claims. (Cl. -125) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in applicators for applying material to a surface and more particularly to new and useful improvements in applicators of the single use type.

It'is an object of this invention to provide a combined single use, disposable, sanitary duster, polish applicatorand buffer, having a self-contained reservoir of the material to be applied held in an impervious container which is easily broken for application and use of such material;

It is a further object of this invent-ion to provide an inexpensive single use combined applicator pad and polishing device;

It is a further [object of this invention to provide a sanitary, protective applicator and spreader for the application of lotions, oils or fluid pastes which are normally disagreeable to apply;

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a container and applicator for cleaners, polishes, and surface preparations of various sorts wherein the applicator contains a quantity of material to be applied and is broken by squeezing, for applying the preparation;

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and useful sanitary applicator which is adapted for controlling the quantity of material applied;

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a new and useful combined single use applicator shaped to receive only the fingers of the user during use;

It is still a further object of this inventionto provide anew; and'useful sanitary applicator having a protective lining-adapted to cover that portion of the hand inserted therein and a pervious lining disposed thereover, said pervious lining being so disposed with reference to the, protective lining as to provide a space to retain a breakable reservoir :ofthe material to be applied;

Another object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive reversible, combined, single use, disposable package whereby one side of said package may be used to apply material to a surface and the other side of said package may be used to polish or cleanse the same;

Another object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive, combined, single use, disposable package for applying material, such as polish, to a surface, the combined unit having a stiff edge adapted to facilitate the application or polishing of depressions or crevices;

It is still a further object of this invention to provide an inexpensive, reversible, single use package for use as a combined duster, polish applicator and bulfer, having one side adapted to dispense material to a surface to be covered and a second side comprised of two plies, one of which serves'as a duster and is constructedso as to be removable from the'combined unit to expose the second ply which serves as a polishing entity;

I Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a sanitaly, inexpensive, combined, package applieator and p'olisher unit having a specified amount of liquid or paste surface treating material therein, said combined unit being provided with a receptacle which may be readily broken when squeezed, so as to liberate the material onto the unit for application to a surface being treated;

Still further objects vof this invention reside in the provision !of a combined unit having a breakable oapsule positioned between pervious and impervious layers :of a single use package whereby liquid or soft paste held in said capsule may be applied by breaking the capsule for libenating it upon a surface, the fingers of the user beingmeanwhile unsoiled; in the constructional details of the package including the pervious layer secured to an impervious layer and the removable ply secured thereto;

Other and further objects of this invention are those apparent and inherent in the apparatus as described, pictured and claimed.

This invention will be described with reference .to the drawings in which corresponding numerals refer to the Figure 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2 taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 3--3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a View similar to Figure 2 but showing the liquid retaining capsule collapsed and the liquid or pasty contents emanated therefrom;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the duster surface removed and the polishing surface exposed;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrow 66 of Figure 7, and shows the respective layers of the invention and the capsule disposed therebetween;

Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrow 7-7 of Figure 6.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figure 6, the single use package, generally designated 10, comprises a protective layer 11, an applicator and polishing layer 12, a duster layer 13 and a capsule 14. The protective layer 11 comprises a layer of impervious material such as cellophane, pli'ofilm, polyvinyl plastic or other impervious material folded back upon itself to form two lamina- .tions 15 and 16. The laminations 15 and 16 are joined together throughout the double fold 18 either by crimping and heat-se aling, or other means.

The laminations 15 and 16, as shown best with reference to Figure 7, are likewise joined together throughout their edge portions 19 and 20 by crimping and heat-sealing, or adhesive or other means.

It will be noted, as shown best with reference to Figure 1 that the length of impervious material 11 forming l ami nations 15 and 16 when folded upon itself, as shown in Figure 1, provides a substantially square package sealed on three sides. The fourth side allows ingress of the fingers only of a hand.

Extending substantially throughout the area of and exterior to the protective layer 11 is the applicator and polishing layer 12. The layer 12 and the duster layer 13 may be composed of woven or knitted cloth, but I much prefer that each be composed of a sheet made up of non-woven textile fiber fabrics such as cotton or rayon or a combination of both, or other pervious fabric or paper, held in the form of a reasonably strong sheet by suitable plastic binder. ,Such sheet is smooth, has a reasonably good polishing, is sufiiciently durable for single use, is pervious for the passage of liquids or pastes therethrough, and bonds, by heat sealing under pressure, to the edges of the underlying impervious plastic pocket layer 11. i

The outer, or polishing layer lz is composed of a Sin-I Patented May 7, 1957 and bottom edges.

gle length of material folded to form two laminations 21 and '22. Lamination 22 is Secured to lamination 16 along edges 23 and 24. Double fold section 25A and 25B is likewise secured to the corresponding double fold section 18 of layer 11. Thus, lamination 22 is positioned over the laminations 16 and secured thereto on the vertical While lamination 22 could be completely bonded to lamination 16 throughout its extent by heat, adhesive or other means if desired,'I have found that this is not necessary, and that fastening along the edges, as indicated, is preferable.

Lamination 22 is provided with a slight extension 25 which is infolded as shown best in Figures 3 and 6 to form a lip which serves as a keeper for the upper edge 28 of lamination 16. As may be seen best with reference to Figures 3 and 6, also, the upper edge 29 of lamination extends slightly above the curved termination 26 of lip 25. The upper edge 30 of lamination 21 likewise extends slightly beyond edge 29 of lamination 15. Lamination 21, like lamination 22, is positioned over and exterior of laminations 15 and secured thereto throughout its edges 23 and 24 and fold section B.

' Disposed between laminations 15 and 21 is a capsule 14 comprising an outer gelatinous shell containing a portion of soft paste or liquid in the interior thereof as is well known.

In addition to its being secured to lamination 15 throughout edges 23,24 and 25B, I prefer to secure the edge of lamination 21 to the edge 29 of lamination 15 by heat bonding and crimping, adhesive or other means so as to provide a compartment for the capsule 14 which is closed on all four sides.

The construction described is essentially a double walled pocket of generally rectangular plan, sealed along three edges and open at the fourth. Thus, the inner impervious plastic layers 15 and 16 are sealed together and also to the overlying pervious polishing cloth or sheet, layers 21 and 22 along edges 23, 24 and 25A--B. Layers 15 and 21 extend a little and are sealed together at 29--30, the extension being provided to allow easy separation of the pocket for inserting the fingers. Layer 22 is overfolded at 26--28 (but usually not sealed to layer 16). Separate packaging of the pocket unit and capsule 14 which are assembled into it before use is sometimes advantageous, the user inserting whichever capsule desired, as where a color choice for shoe polisher is provided. Also, the pocket units will lie fiat, and therefore pack a little better before the capsules are inserted. In this instance edge 30 of lamination 21 will not be bonded to edge 29 of lamination 15. However, the invention likewise does assuredly contemplate a completely assembled combined unit, as in the drawings, and when so done, the edge 26-28 may be sealed after the capsule 14 is in place, as in Figure 6.

Capsule 14 in my preferred embodiment is a conventional gelatinous enclosure provided with a free flowing paste or liquid therein. However, it is to be understood that any frangible or rupturable skin covering may be used.

Disposed over laminations 22 and extending throughout approximately /a of the vertical dimension thereof as shown best with reference to Figure lis the duster layer 13. Edges 32 and 33 of layer 13 are secured to edges 23 and 24 of lamination '22 but the bottom edge 34 and the top edge 35 are not secured. This allows ready removal of layer 13 when desired.

I have found, in conjunction with this single use package, that a very usable shape is provided when the width and depth of the pocket formed between the impervious layers 15 and .16 is such that the hand of the user may be inserted substantially only to the first joint as shown in Figures l-5. Thus, I have provided a dimension of 4 inches as the overall width of the package and since the crimping or joining along the edges 23 and 24 extends iriwlrdlyapproximately of an inch, the inside dimendimension is likewise approximately 4 inches.

sion is approximately 4 inches. I have likewise provided an outside vertical dimension of 4% inches and since the double fold 18 at the bottom of the package extends upward for A; of an inch, the inside vertical This, .I have found to be the optimum size to provide a package which, when the hand is inserted, will extend substan tially only to the first joint of the average person. However, it is to be understood that the overall height dimension may be varied between 3 inches and 6 inches without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and that the overall width dimension may be varied between i 3 inches and 6 inches.

The protective layer 11 is composed of an impervious material such as pliofilm, polyvinyl plastic, cellophane or other flexible, impervious material. I prefer ,to use a. non-woven pervious fabric of cotton or rayon or a combination of both for layers 12 and 13, such as those obtainable under the trademark Viskon, although other fabrics and papers may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, as previously stated.

As shown by the drawings, the capsule 14 contains a quantity of liquid or soft paste. In the instance shown in the drawings, the capsule contains a quantity of soft shoe polish. The capsule in this instance is made of such a size that the quantity of shoe polish will handily polish two shoes. Of course, when the applicator. is designed for applying other products, the quantity will be determined according to the product to be applied and the surface to be covered.

While this invention is designed to be used primarily to retain and apply shoe polish, it is to be understood that it may be used as an applicator for many difierent types of cleaners, stains, polishes, lotions and other material such as shoe dyes, glass cleaners, furniture polish, stain polish, veneer polish, scratch remover, etc. It may also be used for the application of cosmetics such as log lotion, hand lotion, suntan oil, mosquito lotion, fingernail polish remover, etc. Other uses would be as an applicator for gun oil in the sporting field, as an applicator for spot remover, as an applicator for anti-mist liquid for glass or eye glasses, etc. Throughout this specification, the applicator has been described with reference to shoe polish, but it is to be understood that this includes its use for applying other materials.

' When it is desired to use the invention as a shoe polish.

applicator, the hand is first inserted as shown in Figures 1-.5. The duster layer 13 is then used as shown in Figure ,1 to wipe all of the dust off the shoe. This layer is then torn away and disposed of to show the buffer or polishing layer 12 as demonstrated in Figure ,5. Next, the hand is reversed in the applicator from the position of Figure 1 to the position of Figure 2, the capsule 14 pressed by the .fingers between .laminsations 15 and 21 and the shoe S as shown in Figure 3 whereby the capsule is ruptured and the fluid forced between the fibers of the layer 21, spreading out as shown by the cross-hatched area 40 in Figure 4. After the polish has been applied to both shoes, the package is once again reversed to the position of Figure 5 and the buffer lamination 22 is used to buff the polish to a gloss.

The provision of heat sealing and crimping the edges 23, 24 and 25A-25B provides a stiff surface which may be used to apply polish to or shine depressions in the surface being treated such as, for example, the crevice between the soles and uppers of shoes.

This invention provides an inexpensive and disposable combined container and applicator which may be used once to apply a quantity of cleaner, polish, lotion, or other material to a given surface after which the entire unit is then discarded. It may be used in the home, oflice, hotel, or other travel accommodations. In the home, it serves as a disposable, easily stored applicator which protects the hand of the user from the material being applied, such as shoe polish, glass cleaner, furniture polish, etc. While travelling, it serves as a convenient reservoir and applicator for shoe polish, cleaning fluid, etc., which supplies enough material for one application in a neat, sanitary and convenient package.

It is to be understood, of course, that since this invention is susceptible to many widely dilfering applications, that the duster layer 13 may be provided or dispensed with according to convenience for the particular product being used.

As many widely differing embodiments of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that I do not specifically limit myself to the embodiment disclosed herein.

What I claim is:

1. An applicator for applying a mobile composition to a surface comprising in combination a length of impervious heat-bendable material folded upon itself and crimped and heat-bonded together along the fold and the two opposed sides to form a pocket, a length of pervious heat-bendable material substantially equivalent in area to the area of said length of impervious material and positioned exterior to said impervious material and crimped and heat-bonded thereto, said length of pervious material being secured to said impervious material throughout the double fold portion of said impervious material and along the opposed sides thereof, and a frangible container having a quantity of mobile composition therein disposed between said impervious material and said pervious material.

2. The article of claim 1 further characterized by a layer of dusting material removably secured to said layer of pervious material on the side of said pocket opposite said capsule.

3. The article of claim 1 further characterized in that said layer of impervious material is secured to said layer of pervious material at one extremity thereof so as to provide a closed compartment for said capsule.

4. In combination, an extended rectangular sheet of impervious synthetic resinous material folded upon itself to form first and second plies having a common edge, said plies being crimped and heat sealed to one another at said common edge and throughout the opposed edges adjacent thereto, said sheet being so folded that said first ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said second ply, an extended rectangular sheet of pervious material folded so as to substantially overlie the exterior surfaces of said first and second plies and forming third and fourth plies having a common edge, the common edge of said pervious plies overlying the common edge of said impervious plies and being crimped and heat sealed thereto, the opposed edges of said pervious plies adjacent said common edge being heat sealed and crimped to said opposed edges of said impervious plies adjacent their common edge, said sheet of pervious material being so folded that said third ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said fourth ply, said third ply being positioned over said first ply and having its extending edge positioned beyond the extending edge thereof, the extending edge of said third ply being unsecured to the extending edge of said first ply, said fourth ply being positioned over said second ply and having its extending edge folded inwardly over the edge of said second ply, a rectangular length of polishing material positioned over said fourth ply and secured thereto along said opposed edges, and means positioned between said first and third plies providing a quantity of mobile composition.

5. The subcombination comprising an extended rectangular sheet of impervious synthetic resinous material folded upon itself to form first and second plies having a common edge, said plies being crimped and heat sealed to one another at said common edge and throughout the opposed edges adjacent thereto, said sheet being so folded that said first ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said second ply, an extended rectangular sheet of pervious material folded so as to substantially overlie the exterior surfaces of said'first and second plies and forming third and fourth plies having a common edge, the common edge of said pervious plies overlying the common edge of said impervious plies and being crimped and heat sealed thereto, the opposed edges of said pervious plies adjacent said common edge being heat sealed and crimped to said opposed edges of said impervious plies adjacent their common edge, said sheet of pervious material being so folded that said third ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said fourth ply, said third ply being positioned over said first ply and having its extending edge positioned beyond the extending edge thereof, the extending edge of said third ply being unsecured to the extending edge of said first ply, said fourth ply being positioned over said second ply and having its extending edge folded inwardly over the edge of said second ply.

6. The subcombination comprising an extended rectangular sheet of impervious material folded upon itself to form first and second plies having a common edge, said plies being crimped and heat sealed to one another at said common edge and throughout the opposed edges adjacent thereto, said sheet being so folded that said first ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said second ply, an extended rectangular sheet of pervious material folded so as to substantially overlie the exterior surfaces of said first and second plies and forming third and fourth plies having a common edge, the common edge of said pervious plies overlying the common edge of said impervious plies and being crimped and heat sealed thereto, the opposed edges of said pervious plies adjacent said common edge being heat sealed and crimped to said opposed edges of said impervious plies adjacent their common edge, said sheet of pervious material being so folded that said third ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said fourth ply, said third ply being positioned over said first ply, the extending edge of said third ply being unsecured to the extending edge of said first ply, said fourth ply being positioned over said second ply.

7. In combination, an extended rectangular sheet of impervious synthetic resinous material folded upon itself to form first and second plies having a common edge, said plies being crimped and heat sealed to one another at said common edge and throughout the opposed edges adjacent thereto, said sheet being so folded that said first ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said second ply, an extended rect-angular sheet of pervious material folded so as to substantially overlie the exterior surfaces of said first and second plies and forming third and fourth plies having a common edge, the common edge of said pervious plies overlying the common edge of said impervious plies and being crimped and heat sealed thereto, the opposed edges of said pervious plies adjacent said common edge being heat sealed and crimped to said opposed edges of said impervious plies adjacent their common edge, said sheet of pervious material being so folded that said third ply has an extension from said common edge greater than the extension of said fourth ply, said third .ply being positioned over said first ply and having its extending edge positioned beyond the extending edge thereof, the extending edge of said third ply being unsecured to the extending edge of said first ply, said fourth ply being positioned over said second ply and having its extend ing edge folded inwardly over the edge of said second ply and means positioned between said first and third plies providing a quantity of mobile composition.

8. In combination, an extended rectangular sheet of impervious material folded upon itself to form first and second plies having a common edge, said plies being crimped and heat sealed to one another at said commen edge and throughout the opposed edges adjacent thereto, an extended rectangular sheet of pervious material folded so as to substantially overlie the exterior surfaces of said first and second plies and forming third and fourth plies having a common edge, the common edge of said pervious plies overlying the common edge of said impervious plies and being crimped and heat sealed thereto, the opposed edges of said pervious plies adjacent said common edge being heat sealed and crimpcd to said opposed edges of said impervious plies adjacent their common edge, said fourth ply being positioned over said second ply, a rectangular length of polishing material positioned over said fourth ply and secured thereto along said opposed edges, and means positioned between said first and third plies providing a quantity of mobile composition.

References Cited inthe file of this patent UNITED. STATES PATENTS Lee Aug. 17, "Underwood Sept. 25, Williams May 14, Lambert Oct. 15, Welker Oct. 8, Gilmer June 16, Gerber et al July 30, Barnett Nov. 14, Weisman May 29, Van Boytham Dec. 6, Hermanson May 24, Anderson I Jan. 27,

FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Jan. 24, France Oct. 30, 

